In this essential 2020 Democracy Now! interview, Lonnie Bunch, the founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, discusses the critical importance of telling America's "unvarnished" history during a pivotal moment in the nation's story.

This comprehensive conversation explores Bunch's groundbreaking work at the Smithsonian, his vision for how museums can serve as spaces for honest reckoning with America's past, and the challenges of preserving and presenting difficult truths about slavery, segregation, and systemic racism. Bunch reflects on the museum's role during the Trump administration and the ongoing struggle to maintain institutional integrity while facing political pressure.
The interview delves into Bunch's philosophy of historical storytelling, his commitment to centering previously marginalized voices, and how cultural institutions can foster dialogue about race, justice, and national identity. From the museum's powerful exhibits on slavery and civil rights to contemporary discussions about Confederate monuments and historical memory, Bunch articulates why confronting uncomfortable truths is essential for national healing.

This Democracy Now! segment captures Bunch's wisdom on the intersection of history, politics, and social justice, offering insights into how museums can serve as catalysts for social change and spaces for difficult but necessary conversations about America's complex racial legacy.